New Partnership Alert! Orion Talent’s Innovative Solution to Closing the Manufacturing Skills Gap

Did you know that, according to a study by the Manufacturing Institute, 2.1 million manufacturing jobs will go unfilled by 2030 due to the skilled labor shortage? The cost of these unfilled jobs could total $1 trillion in 2030 alone. Despite a low unemployment rate, finding the right manufacturing talent is 36% harder today than it was pre-pandemic. In fact, 77% of manufacturers expect long-term challenges in attracting and retaining the talent they need. The urgency to address the talent gap and fill requisitions calls for a novel approach to building a talent pipeline.

Orion Talent's Strategic Partnership with Tooling U-SME to Close the Manufacturing Skills Gap

Introducing a groundbreaking solution, Orion Talent has partnered with Tooling U-SME, a leader in manufacturing training and workforce development. During their final months of active duty service, transitioning service members are eligible to earn certification in Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RFM), as a Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA), or in Electric Vehicles Fundamentals (EVF).

While service members gain relevant experience and develop industry-specific skills during their military service, these skills can be challenging to translate to civilian employment without industry-recognized certifications. Orion’s partnership with Tooling U aims to bridge this gap, going beyond a training program. Orion collaborates with manufacturers to understand their talent needs, handling all details from developing a talent pipeline to coordinating the training program and delivering ready-to-work candidates to clients. By partnering with Orion, manufacturers gain access to a talent pipeline of certified, ready-to-work candidates with both technical knowledge and practical skills.

RFM Certification Program Highlights

The Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RFM) Certification, developed in collaboration with the Robotics Education & Competition Foundation and FIRST®, equips candidates with foundational skills in robotics and advanced manufacturing. This 22-class program covers essential topics such as introduction to manufacturing, applied mathematics, robotics applications, and programming concepts. Successful candidates earn a nationally recognized SME Robotics in Manufacturing Fundamentals (RMF) credential, endorsed by industry leaders.

This certification serves as a powerful onboarding solution for employers, ensuring new hires possess essential knowledge for success and provides a good starting point for further education and training, leading to robotics-specific career pathways and skilled trades using robotics.

CMfgA Certification Program Highlights

The Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) certification program focuses on basic manufacturing concepts and prepares candidates for high-demand, entry-level manufacturing roles as assemblers, manufacturing associates, production laborers, and more. Candidates complete 25 courses covering concepts like additive manufacturing, blueprint reading, CNC, inspection, LEAN, math fundamentals, safety, troubleshooting, and more.

This certification is a great first step toward a lifelong career in the manufacturing industry. Candidates are encouraged to continue exploring manufacturing career pathways and earn more advanced technical certifications upon completion, such as MSSC, NIMS, and AWS.

EVF Certification Program Highlights

The Electric Vehicles Fundamentals (EVF) Certification focuses on preparing candidates for entry-level positions in the fast-growing electric vehicle industry. Covering topics such as EV production, safety, quality, and robotics, the 73-class online program provides a solid foundation for candidates seeking opportunities in automotive assembly and production. Candidates are prepared to enter a wide range of manufacturing roles upon completion, including as an assembly technician, production associate, team assembler, manufacturing technician, battery pack assembler, quality control inspector, electric motor assembler, or maintenance technician.

Orion Talent: Paving the Way for Success

Orion Talent provides a solution for companies seeking a pipeline of skilled, entry-level manufacturing talent through our strategic collaboration with Tooling U-SME. More than just a certification program, this partnership emphasizes workforce development, serving as the bridge between manufacturers and a diverse pool of highly skilled military candidates. We streamline the hiring process, connecting transitioning service members with meaningful employment in the manufacturing industry while matching manufacturing clients with the talent ideal for their roles and company culture.

The talent shortage in the manufacturing industry is not going anywhere, and it’s time to make an actionable plan for success. Orion Talent's partnership with Tooling U-SME provides a strategic solution to manufacturers seeking to develop a pipeline of skilled, entry-level talent. Whether in RFM, CMfgA, or EVF certification, Orion's candidates bring industry-relevant skills and a commitment to excellence, helping manufacturers thrive in an increasingly competitive environment.

Explore how Orion Talent can help your company bridge the skills gap – visit our Tooling U Partnership Page and connect with us to get started.